Beets are an ancient, prehistoric food that grew naturally along coastlines in North Africa, Asia, and Europe. Originally, it was the beet greens that were consumed; the sweet red beet root that most people think of as a "beet" today wasn't cultivated until the era of ancient Rome.1
Of course, raw beets offer the most complete nutrients. And juicing beets with a slow juicer is highly recommended. Juicing a few beets with lots of carrots and an apple or two is the tastiest way to go. And this adds more nutrients intact with important enzymes.
Health Benefits
Beet juice is alkaline and helps in acidosis, a harbinger of all diseases.
Beet juice helps stimulate liver cells and cleanse and protect bile ducts. It also helps relieve the kidneys of stress to help cure gout. It also helps relieve constipation.
Beets help cleanse the blood and create more red blood cells. They are useful for treating and curing anemia.
Rebuild Blood with Natural Remedies
The goal for treating anemia is rebuilding the supply of red blood cells in the body. This level can typically be achieved by incorporating different dietary supplements and natural remedies into your everyday routine. Blackstrap molasses, chlorophyll, and beetroot are three of the most effective treatment options.
The emperors after the discovery of this plant ordered his massive cultivation of European fields.
Beets are really rich with many elements that are indescribable needed for our body. Beets contain low protein, organic acids such as folic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, then vitamins C, B, A, PP, E, and of minerals contains: calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and other minerals in smaller quantities.
The presence of beets in every home is more than necessary. The method of its use is different. People make different salads, others make juices and cocktails. It doesn’t matter how you use, you will get all its benefits.
It is recommended to consume beets with grated carrot, this combination is a real “vitamin bomb” for the organism.
Beets can help you if you have problems with the thyroid gland, circulation, anemia and various other hematological diseases.
Beets are recommended to use patients who have chronic anemia and those who have problems with immune system.
Beets is a great protector of the heart and blood vessels.
We also have to mention that beets have amazing influence on the digestive system. Beets contains elements that encourage the work of the intestines, and also keep and protect the liver. It is believed that children who consume beets will have much healthier bones and teeth, and much better blood count than those who do not regularly consume beets.
Beets are recommended to season with carrot, honey and other nuts because it will have even more powerful effect.
If you regularly consume beets juice you will drastically improve your general health.
Red beets and their leaves are a high source of folate, which is the natural base of folic acid. Folate helps build tissue and red blood cells. Folic acid from folate is more beneficial rather than to use folic acid supplements.
Beets contain lots of lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which help prevent or even cure macular degeneration and other age related eye issues.
Beets are a high source of phytonutrients called betalains. Beet betalains provide strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support.
Beets help lower blood pressure, maintain blood vessel elasticity, and even help eliminate varicose veins.
Beets are high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, niacin, calcium, iron, and biotin.
Red coloring in the stool or urine is not uncommon after consuming beets. It's no big deal, though some say it might indicate a bit of anemia.
http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/beetroot-a-powerful-keeper-of-our-health/
http://www.naturalnews.com/033287_beets_nutrition.html#ixzz49WftEogC
Beets contain a variety of unique health-boosting nutrients that you may not be getting elsewhere. Plus, they're delicious!
Fight InflammationBeets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress. It's also known to help fight inflammation, protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, enhance performance, and likely help prevent numerous chronic diseases.5 As reported by the World's Healthiest Foods:6Anti-Cancer Properties"[Betaine's]… presence in our diet has been associated with lower levels of several inflammatory markers, including C reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. As a group, the anti-inflammatory molecules found in beets may eventually be shown to provide cardiovascular benefits in large-scale human studies, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits for other body systems."The powerful phytonutrients that give beets their deep crimson color may help to ward off cancer. Research has shown that beetroot extract reduced multi-organ tumor formations in various animal models when administered in drinking water, for instance, while beetroot extract is also being studied for use in treating human pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers.7Rich in Valuable Nutrients and FiberBeets are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium (essential for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (which is good for your bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas). Beets also contain the B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.Detoxification SupportThe betalin pigments in beets support your body's Phase 2 detoxification process, which is when broken down toxins are bound to other molecules so they can be excreted from your body. Traditionally, beets are valued for their support in detoxification and helping to purify your blood and your liver.
Eat Your Beet Greens Too
If you simply throw away the green leafy tops to your beets, you're doing yourself a disservice, as these are among the healthiest part of the plant.
Besides containing important nutrients like protein, phosphorus, zinc, fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese, beet greens also supply significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Beet greens actually have even more iron than spinach (another leafy green in the same botanical family) as well as a higher nutritional value overall than the beetroot itself. Read "What Are Beet Greens Good For?"If you've never tried beet greens before, don't let them intimidate you. They can be added raw to vegetable juice or sautéed lightly right along with other greens like spinach and Swiss chard.
- Help ward off osteoporosis by boosting bone strength
- Fight Alzheimer's disease
- Strengthen your immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies and white blood cells
Try Russian Beet Soup (Borscht)
There are many ways to enjoy beets:For an even more intense flavor, try Borscht, or beet soup, which is a traditional Russian dish. This particular recipe below, from Dirt Doctor, also includes homemade broth, making it particularly nourishing and healing.
- Grate them raw over salads
- Add them to your fresh vegetable juice
- Lightly steam them
- Marinate them with lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil
Borscht
Ingredients:Instructions:
- 1 quart of organic, homemade broth (preferably beef or buffalo)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 or 4 medium size beets – thinly sliced
- 1 onion – thinly sliced
- 1 cup of shredded red cabbage
- 1/8 cup minced parsley
- 1 tablespoon Sherry (optional)
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper
- Sour Cream (optional)
- Over medium low heat, melt butter in a medium size soup pot.
- Add onions and beets and cook until soft – about 7 or 8 minutes.
- Add a dash of salt and pepper. Stir in broth.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes. Then add fresh cabbage, parsley, nutmeg, and sherry. Simmer for a couple minutes more, season with additional salt and pepper, serve, and enjoy.
- Add a dollop of crème fraiche or sour cream if you like.